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2026 Unsung Heroes Award Guidelines

Across our schools, countless individuals work behind the scenes to ensure multilingual learners are supported, welcomed, and given every opportunity to thrive. These individuals may not be classroom teachers or paraprofessionals, yet their actions shape the learning environment in powerful ways. They might be superintendents, principals, counselors, family liaisons, bus drivers, cafeteria staff, custodians, office personnel, librarians, or any district employee whose dedication strengthens the success of English Language Learners.

To honor these essential contributors, the Bilingual ESL Education Association of the Metroplex has established the BEAM Unsung Heroes Award.

AWARDS

The winner of the 2026 BEAM Unsung Heroes Award:

• Will be publicly acknowledged and honored at the annual symposium with a special plaque recognizing their contributions.
• Will be welcome to invite one guest to the awards dinner.
• Will be recognized in BEAM publications and communications channels their impact and service to multilingual learners. 

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ELIGIBILITY

BEAM Unsung Heroes Award

The award is open to any non-instructional or non-teaching district employee who contributes significantly to the success of multilingual learners. Nominees must meet the following requirements: 

• Employment in a Region 10 or Region 11 school district or charter during the 2025–2026 school year
• At least one full year of service in their current district
• Demonstrated impact on English Language Learner success through leadership, support, outreach, or student-centered initiatives​​​

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Eligible roles may include (but are not limited to): 

• Superintendents, district leaders, principals, assistant principals, counselors, instructional coaches, office staff, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, security officers, nurses, librarians, community liaisons, or any support role that has influenced English learner success.

SUBMISSION PROCESS​

  • All entries must be submitted through the official nomination form linked below.

  • Nominations may be submitted by any district or campus employee who has collaborated with or observed the nominee’s contributions.

  • There are no portfolio uploads or letters required. The judging committee will evaluate nominees solely on responses to the short-answer questions included in the nomination form.​​​​​​

Nomination Form Includes

  • Name

  • Role/Position

  • Campus and district

  • Work contact information

  • Length of service in current district

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ELIGIBILITY CONFIRMATION:

  • Employed in Region 10 or Region 11

  • At least one full year of district service​

Submit Your Application

Nomination Questions

Judges will evaluate nominees based on the three criteria contained in the form:

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  • Contribution to English Learner Success

    • In what ways has this individual made a meaningful difference in the educational experience of English Language Learners?

 

  • Impact on Campus Culture and Community

    • Describe how the nominee supports families of multilingual learners or contributes to positive, inclusive initiatives in the campus or district community.

 

  • Additional Information

    • Share any additional details, stories, or context that would help the judging panel understand why this nominee exemplifies an Unsung Hero.

​SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS 

All entries must be submitted by January 30, 2026 11:59 PM CST

  • Nomination form must be fully completed 

  • Headshot Photograph


PLEASE NOTE:

  • Any applications received after the deadline will be disqualified.

  • Any application missing any information will be disqualified.

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SYMPOSIUM AWARDS

  • Winners will have their picture included in the Symposium Program and be acknowledged at the BEAM Symposium on April 11, 2026.​​

  • Judging: A panel of judges will select the winners in each category. BEAM Board reserves the right to bestow or not to bestow the award for each category

  • Deadline: All entries must be received by January 30, 2026 11:59 PM CST. Contest entries need to be submitted by the teacher. Applicants will be notified by February 27, 2026. Entries from students from all language backgrounds are encouraged.

  • Notification: Nominees will be notified by February 27, 2026

  • Eligibility Disclaimer: BEAM committee members and/or their family members are not eligible to enter the contest. See Teacher of the Year page for full definition of family member categories. 

 

Questions/Support

If you have any questions, please email Matt Condon at matt@beamdfw.org

Submit Your Application

Submit Your Application

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